Give me 5…The invention of number five in ancient civilizations

摘要

Precise recognition of small numbers of objects without counting is an archaic, inborn ability of humans. Since almost 140 years it is known that we can recognize precisely only up to four objects if sequential counting is prevented. Vertebrates and invertebrates such as honeybees can recognize and remember three and up to four objects, respectively. A synopsis of counting systems in ancient civilizations reveals that our limited ability to recognize only four objects without counting influenced our counting and numbering systems and enforced the need for new symbols for numbers beyond four.